Remembering Roger Williamson

Backed by wealthy entrepreneur Tom Wheatcroft, Williamson came into Formula 1 through winning the British F3 title in 1972 and a successful start to the 1973 season in F2, winning the Monza Lottery race. His debut in a works March 731 in the British Grand Prix at Silverstone was cut short due to a pile-up in the first lap. He was tragically killed in the following race, the Dutch GP at Zandvoort, trapped in his upside-down car on fire. The scene of David Purley desperately trying to save his friend from the blaze is one of the most disturbing sights I’ve ever seen.